Regardless of an amazing 2026 NFL draft class, the Bucs nonetheless have some huge inquiries to reply earlier than the beginning of the season. That revolves round beginning quarterback Baker Mayfield and his future with the workforce.
Are the Buccaneers going to have the ability to signal Baker Mayfield to an contract extension earlier than coaching camp or the beginning of the season? Will Mayfield even comply with an extension slightly than hit the open market and money in on free company subsequent March?
Mayfield goes into his fourth 12 months because the beginning quarterback in Tampa Bay. Through the first three seasons with the workforce he has a compiled an everyday season report of 27-24, beginning all 51 video games with three playoff begins and a 1-2 report. He’s additionally thrown for 12,237 passing yards within the common season with 95 landing passes, 37 interceptions and a 66.3 completion share.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: IMAGN Photos – Nathan Ray Seebeck
Total he’s been an amazing match for Tampa Bay regardless of the 8-9 report and lacking the playoffs final season. The 9-8 season in 2023 leading to advancing to the second spherical of the postseason, mixed with the 10-6 report the 12 months after in 2024 – that coincided with Mayfield’s greatest 12 months of his profession – make up for a season of struggles in 2025.
Jason Licht Feedback On Probably Extending Baker Mayfield’s Contract This 12 months
The Buccaneers definitely are very a lot considering protecting Baker Mayfield for a very long time with a contract extension. Basic supervisor Jason Licht mentioned as such whereas showing on 95.7 WDAE’s The Drive with host Tom Krasniqi, aka TKras. When requested about the potential for a contract extension within the close to future, Licht mentioned they’re fascinated with it always.
That’s a declarative assertion about eager to be sure that Mayfield is again with the Buccaneers after the season – however Licht was non-committal on when which may occur.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
“Baker is at the forefront of our mind at all times,” Licht mentioned. “All of our plans revolve round Baker and that’s one thing that we’ll get to sooner or later. I’ve had loads of discussions with Baker in regards to the workforce, I do know we texted throughout the draft after a number of the picks. I do know he was excited in regards to the gamers that we took. We have now an amazing relationship and no one right here needs Baker to be taking part in for one more workforce, so I’ll simply go away it at that.
What Does Baker Mayfield Assume Of New WR Ted Hurst?
Tampa Bay doubtless made Baker Mayfield fairly pleased when the workforce added one other ability place participant for him to work with on this 12 months’s draft. The Bucs chosen Georgia State vast receiver Ted Hurst within the third spherical and he fills a selected want for the receiver room regardless of the expertise that the workforce already has on the place.
Bucs WR Ted Hurst – Photograph courtesy of Georgia State Athletics
Along with his 6-foot-4 peak, Hurst convey a lot wanted dimension at vast receiver and might play the X place that Mike Evans used to play on the skin as a break up finish. The Bucs didn’t have anybody with dimension like Hurst or that actually may play the X place with Chris Godwin Jr., Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan higher suited to roles within the slot or line up on the alternative facet because the Z (flanker).
Hurst brings dimension, pace and manufacturing with 25 profession touchdowns, making for an intriguing goal that Mayfield will get to work with this upcoming season. Mayfield may use one other goal within the crimson zone, and with Hurst’s capability to go up and get the ball, he’s undoubtedly a match on fade passes into the top zone.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: IMAGN Photos
“I know Baker’s always excited when you add a potential weapon to our team,” Licht mentioned. “With Ted, I think he comes into a scenario where we have four really, really, good receivers that we’re very excited about, and he’s not going to be expected to day one make big contributions. He’s going to be able to learn from these guys, we have an exceptional receivers coach along with our whole offensive staff but we have an exceptional receivers coach that is very patient and is a great teacher where he can sit back and learn, and like I said, not be a savior right away.”
Try the entire interview with Jason Licht on The Drive with TKras by clicking this hyperlink.
